Samantha Robertson’s son is celebrating his first Christmas, so to get into the holiday spirit, she went online to make a reservation to see Santa Claus.
Cadillac Fairview malls rolled out the reservation program nationwide, a departure from the age-old practice of standing in line.
“Be sure to book ahead so that you can skip the line-up and get back to the good stuff – wrapping gifts and counting down how many more sleeps until the big day,” it stated.
The visits at Fairview Pointe-Claire are free.
Nevertheless, not everyone is on board with the new policy of having to make a reservation.
“I think it’s ridiculous,” said Ben Henrichon, a shopper.
Robertson pointed out, given the schedules of working parents, making an appointment to see Santa may just be a sign of changing times.
The mall’s website indicates that customers can still stand in a line-up too see Saint Nick – but once a reservation is made, it can’t be changed.